It's been ten weeks since nearly two thousand Fairpoint workers throughout New England walked off the job. Strikers and their families gathered to celebrate the holiday and their solidarity at a benefit dinner Sunday.

“One family is helping another. We have people in the community adopting families,” said union leader Mike O’Day. “I’ve never seen it so strong. We encouraged people to save every penny they could starting in January and they have.”

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More than two months off work has been a struggle for some families.

“This is to help the folks that are really in need, the families that are running behind in their electric bills, their heating bills, to help get them through the holiday season,” O’Day said.

A contract dispute between Fairpoint and its workers continues, attracting the attention of Governor Shumlin and other state officials. Last week, Fairpoint responded to a letter from the governor urging the company to negotiate with workers.

“Our top priority has been to reach a resolution that addresses our core concerns so we can better serve customers and communities and ensure we are the 21st century telecommunications partner northern New England deserves,” said Chief Executive Director, Paul Sunu said in a letter.

He continues saying, “We remain willing to consider and constructively respond to any serious counter-proposal that meaningfully addresses the company's core issues in this negotiation.”

While customers have complained about Fairpoint service since the workers left, strikers say the community has been pitching in to keep the holiday bright for children affected by the strike.

“With Christmas coming up, they wanted to make sure there's a gift under every tree for the kids,” O’Day said.

In a letter to the Vermont delegation, Sunu said the company can't give in to the worker's demands. He adds, in regards to service interruptions since the strike, the team is clearing more customer service work orders per person than ever before.Union leaders say they aren't anticipating an agreement before the new year.